by John Edwards
The next day Elizabeth was again walking when Mr. Darcy spied her and asked if he could join her on her walk.
“Yes sir, you may join with me. I hope you are fine today. Were you and Mr. Bingley away in London?”
“Yes, Miss Bennet, we were. Let me say you look much better today. Are you not fully over your recent sickness?”
“Yes sir, and so many are indebted to you for your kindness in helping us. We were all so sick.”
“Seeing you and the others recovering is thank you enough Miss Bennet. But there is something I wanted to talk with you about, so I ask that you give me this time now.”
Elizabeth only nodded, but did not look up at him. “Miss Bennet, I have been too slow in telling you that my actions that first night at the assembly were disgraceful and I sincerely apologize for my conduct and by my incivility to you and all others that I offended. Since the assembly I have regretted my actions and examined my situation and am disappointed with myself. Though I might attempt to justify how I behaved, there is no acceptable reason or excuse, and the more I reflect on what I said and how I acted I have come to think so differently.”
“Mr. Darcy, I accept your apology, but your kind hearted actions of late have proven to all that you are a good and kind man.”
“Miss Bennet, though I have lived a life of privilege, I find that I and so many of my so called friends and indeed some of my own family have often behaved as hypocrites. I attend church but I do not often practice kindness and goodness and generosity toward others. My remarks that you overheard were made by a crazy man. Indeed, I am very glad that my friend Mr. Bingley has met your sister. She is good for he and I trust he will be good for her. Miss Bennet, it was not my plan to say much more today but after seeing you and your sister and others yesterday, I will speak of some other things.”
“Please continue Mr. Darcy.”
“I am sure you noticed my reaction when I saw Mr. Wickham. He grew up at Pemberly, as his father was steward to my own father. We were friends, and his own father was an excellent man. After his father died my father supported him as if he were his own, and Mr. Wickham was educated at the best schools, as was myself. After my own father died five years ago, George Wickham was to be accommodated as my father arranged for granting him the living, for Wickham was to become a clergyman as he said that was his desire. When he changed his mind, he demanded money instead of the living, and said his plans were to study the law. I wrote him a check for three thousand pounds. Soon he had gone through that money and had accumulated many bills from merchants as well as large gaming debts, for he was a man who loved to gamble, and he still does. When I learnt of what he had done, I would not pay him any more money.”
“This sounds terrible, is there more.”
“Yes, Miss Bennet, it gets worse. I have a younger sister, Georginia, who is not yet one and sixteen. Mr. Wickham tried to elope with her when she was but fifteen years, as he had secretly seen her and tried to convince her of his partiality for her. Soon she thought herself to be in love, and consented to an elopement. It was purely by accident that I came upon them at Ramsgate, before my sister could be compromised. Later, when I saw him at Pemberly, he said he never had any plans to marry my sister, and he snugly said that he was just after her inheritance, which is over thirty-thousand pounds. Miss Bennet, I shall not lie to you and to the truth of what I have said you may discover from the lips of my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, who with myself are the two guardians for my sister. You are too kind to hear me on these matters. Be assured, no one other than my cousin and I are aware of Mr. Wickham’s actions, so I ask that you use this information to your best advantage in deciphering the gentleman, for I worry that where he goes, soon there will be trouble.”
“Mr. Darcy, can you tell me why you have spoken of these things to me? They appear to be so private.”
“Please do not consider what I have said as mere gossip. They are truthful facts and the information related may be of use to you and your sisters, for he is not such a gentleman as can be trusted. I just hope you and your family and indeed others will be safe from him.”
“I see sir. Perhaps now I shall go back home, for I feel a headache coming on. There is no reason for you to walk back with me Mr. Darcy, but I thank you for telling me these things and I am sure we shall see each other soon.”
They soon walked in opposite directions and Elizabeth was as confused as she had ever been, and she hurried home to discuss these things with Jane. All this information had come at the same time, and yet that evening Elizabeth knew that she would again see Mr. Wickham up close. There she could judge more on that gentleman, but now Mr. Darcy had put her on guard.
Jane was astonished at all Elizabeth told her. “Lizzy, Mr. Darcy has experienced an epiphany. I do not know what to think, but he must be telling the truth, though neither of us know Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy would never mention his own sister in such a discussion except as to provide important information.”
‘Yes, I agree Jane. Mr. Darcy must be a good man to confide this information to me; it must be true.”
“If indeed Mr. Wickham has done these things, he should be kept from all of us at the minimum. But Lizzy, there must be more to all of this but I sincerely believe Mr. Darcy is trying to protect our family and all our sisters from Mr. Wickham.”
“And Jane, perhaps we should tell father regarding Mr. Wickham’s character, or at least that he has a history of running up debts.”
“Lizzy, for now, let us tell father only about his credit history. Father may want to alert some of the local merchants.”
“Yes”
“Lizzy, there is no doubt that Mr. Darcy has improved since we first met him. Mr. Bingley let on that his housekeeper noticed that Mr. Darcy went to your room whenever he rested that night that you all were so sick, and she spotted him many times washing your face with cool water and drying you off and covering you when you were cold and he even helped you with the bucket when you became sick again. No Lizzy, Mr. Darcy cares for you.”
“I do not understand Jane, why would he like me?”
“Lizzy, we cannot understand these things, but I consider that you are refreshing to him. He probably can have any woman in England if he wishes, but you have turned him down to dance when he did ask for your hand. I shall wager that has never been done to him. Lizzy, you are a very special lady, and are quite beautiful and your eyes are your weapon to disarm any gentleman and capture their heart. His actions in apologizing to you speak volumes. But Lizzy, let us not rush to judgement on either man but watch them closely, first Mr. Wickham at Aunt Phillips house tonight and both of them at Netherfield and the other times we see them.
“What do you mean Netherfield?”
“Oh, sorry Lizzy. Mr. Bingley is to give a ball at Netherfield. I just learned of this today. There shall be many people there including many officers.”
CHAPTER 18
PARTIES AND BALLS
Mrs. Phillips had a small party at her home and Elizabeth and her family attended, including their cousin, Mr. Collins, who as a clergyman had recently taken a church at Hunsford. Mr. Collins, though a distant cousin of Mr. Bennet, stood to inherit Longbourn when Mr. Bennet died, as the estate was entailed away from the female line absent another male heir. Heaven had not seen many men as ignorant as Mr. Collins but Mrs. Bennet soon sensed that he might make an offer to one of her daughters, so soon she found him the most agreeable man in the world and Mrs. Bennet acted in such a sycophantic state as to annoy all her daughters but Mary. Some officers were also invited to the party as well as other friends including Charlotte Lucas and her family and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, who were another aunt and uncle to Elizabeth, Mr. Gardiner being Mrs. Bennet’s brother.
Immediately Mr. Wickham met with Elizabeth and was not long with her before he spoke concerning Mr. Darcy and the infamous way he had harmed him. Though Elizabeth had heard a different account from Mr. Darcy, she took in all that was related to her so she could digest it l
ater, but Elizabeth was no fool, and having been forewarned by Mr. Darcy, immediately she began to see through Mr. Wickham. She was as pleased as before with his countenance and he seemed to charm all he met that evening, but Elizabeth was no more than cordial around him and gave him no indication that she was interested in him, for by her part, she immediately was set against him after hearing the accounts involving Mr. Wickham and Miss Darcy, and she was further inclined against him as he stated that Mr. Darcy’s sister was proud and had a similar temperament as her brother. From hearing Caroline Bingley and others at Netherfield speak about Miss Darcy, Elizabeth understood the young girl was shy and reserved. No, Elizabeth did not believe Mr. Wickham, and it was all Elizabeth could do to get through the evening. Her sisters enjoyed themselves because there was some dancing that occurred with the officers that were present, and even though it was a small gathering, it was at least a party and they were out.
Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Bennet were quick to acquaint Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner with the circumstances of Jane’s new friendship with Mr. Bingley and of his other friends. Mrs. Gardiner had grown up in Lampton, a small town that was situated a few miles from Pemberly, and she and her husband were astonished to hear that Mr. Darcy was nearby and staying with Mr. Bingley at Netherfield. Though Mr. Gardiner spent most of his time conversing with the men that evening, the women fairly covered all they knew regarding Mr. Darcy’s history since that first dance at the assembly until the present, and such details of what he had done and of his subsequent actions were discussed in a manner to further astonish Mrs. Gardiner, and to make her believe that Mr. Darcy might have feelings for her own niece. She was hopeful that this might be the case, but was not inclined to believe her sisters’ full account, as she knew that they both had a way of embellishing stories for their own amusement and to further support their own hopes, as if by saying a thing has happened will make it come true.
The next day Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner prepared for an early walk near Longbourn. Mrs. Gardiner was intent on learning as much as she could concerning Mr. Darcy, but she would be careful with Elizabeth to not so much ask her directly but let her niece tell her about such things in due time. Elizabeth had a close bond with her aunt, and held her in the highest esteem as well as Mr. Gardiner. They were both amicable and thoughtful persons who were always available with good advice and whose counsel would be safeguarded from all others. Mr. Gardiner was engaged in trade in London and was successful, and they both had many friends and Elizabeth was sure they had no enemies. Mrs. Gardiner was very astute and could often read Elizabeth, but she was also very kind and they enjoyed each other’s company. Soon the two ladies set off on their walk.
“Elizabeth, I enjoyed the party last evening. The story of Mr. Darcy astonishes me greatly. Pemberly is less than five miles from Lampton, which is where I passed my youth. The town owes much of its prosperity to the Darcy family. Though I did not know him nor any of the other Darcy family, they are respected by many to be one of the great families in England.”
“I did not know you lived so close to Pemberly. Would you like to meet Mr. Darcy?”
“Why yes, Elizabeth, I would.”
“Then I believe I see him now walking toward us. We have walked together a few times.”
“Then would you prefer to walk with him?”
“Now do not be silly, aunt. Besides, I should like to see how he performs with strangers.”
Mr. Darcy then approached.
“Miss Bennet, I have been walking in the hope of seeing you this morning. You look very well.”
“Mr. Darcy, let me introduce you to my aunt, Mrs. Gardiner. Her husband and her are staying at Longbourn a few days before returning to London. Sir, my aunt lived in Lampton as a girl.”
“Well, that is good news indeed. I am happy to make your acquaintance Mrs. Gardiner, and I hope to meet your husband as well.”
“I hear Mr. Darcy that you are staying with your friend nearby, and that he and Jane Bennet are friends.”
“Yes, they are, and Charles Bingley and Jane make a splendid couple, would you not agree, Miss Bennet?”
“Yes sir, I do agree.”
“So Mrs. Gardiner, when is the last time you have visited Lampton?”
“It has been near eight years. I have friends there that are dear to me and intend to visit them soon.”
“Then let me invite you and your husband to stay at Pemberly while you are visiting. I should enjoy having you stay, and if you like peaceful walks in the country, there are many such places at Pemberly. If your husband likes to fish there are ample opportunities for him as well, and I should provide him fishing tackle and any other equipment he requires and would be happy to show him the best places. I should be honored to have you stay, and if you can persuade Miss Elizabeth to come with you, then we can all have a grand time.”
“I am pleased with your invitation sir, but I should discuss this with my husband, who no doubt is still speaking with Mr. Bennet back at Longbourn.”
As Mrs. Gardiner turned around, she exclaimed, “Eh,..no he is not, for here he comes. You shall meet my husband shortly Mr. Darcy.”
The two men met and Elizabeth immediately thought they would likely get along well. Mr. Gardiner was a gentleman and had a good way with people and carried his way well in many subjects. People felt at ease around him and his wife. Soon the two men walked ahead of the ladies.
Mr. Gardiner was older by at least fifteen years and was stocky and at least six inches shorter than Mr. Darcy, but he was a good man and he was looking to take the measure of Mr. Darcy, so after a few minutes he asked, “Mr. Darcy, what are your thoughts of the situation in Europe and England these days?”
“Sir, I say that things have been a mess since the French Revolution, and many have said that the French went broke in helping the colonies against England.”
“That is true, and this probably brought on the revolution. What are your thoughts about those years?”
“Well, you know England was happy for the turmoil in 1789 but all of Europe aligned against France after ‘The Terror.’ For many of those years Austria took the lead against Napoleon but now the only land action on the continent is in Spain. Mr. Gardiner, I shutter to think what might have happened had we not been victorious off Cape Trafalgar. France was planning to invade us, you know.”
“Yes, that is true. Mr. Darcy, I am happy to learn you are a man in touch with your world and I expect that you know your history quite well. As such, I am delighted to speak with you about these things, for except for visiting with Mr. Bennet, no one else at Longbourn discusses these issues, excepting Lizzy. She keeps up with what is happening.”
“She is quite smart Mr. Gardiner. I have never known a woman such as her.” Mr. Gardiner soon determined that Mr. Darcy had feelings for his niece beyond romantic ones. He appreciated her mind. The men continued their talks about many subjects, and each was appreciative of the other’s company and intellect.
Elizabeth and her aunt had not walked so far but found a bench to rest and contemplate the scene of the two men, both strangers to each other, walking and talking as though they had known each other for years.
When they returned, Mrs. Gardiner greeted her husband and he provided his arm for herself and soon Mr. Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth. He then noticed her blush as she held onto his arm as the two couples walked back to Longbourn.
The commotion inside was now evident. Mrs. Bennet had watched earlier as Elizabeth took Mr. Darcy’s arm as they walked. Now she was beside herself and did not quite know what to do. Her usual manner in these situations was to wail and addle about and brood and fidget all over and of course over excite herself to the dismay and ill satisfaction of everyone under her roof. Mr. Collins had earlier hinted of a possible match with Jane but when it was explained that Jane and Mr. Bingley were quite affectionate, Mr. Collins set his sights on Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet had encouraged a match between the two as this would solve the problem of the entail and secure he
r and her daughters future at Longbourn when Mr. Bennet passed. At least the younger girls were not presently at home, being in Meryton today, so this kept the confusion down to a manageable level, except Mrs. Bennet was never a lady that could be managed or easily persuaded to calm herself once she had a strong notion in her head, so it was left to her husband to calm her. Mr. Bennet saw what trouble was coming, so he went to Mrs. Bennet straight away, and said the following. “Mrs. Bennet, I understand your concerns but your flutterings and tremblings aside, there is indeed nothing to be gained from you making a spectacle of yourself in front of your sister and her husband. What say you be civil today and let us learn of any news from Lizzy’s walks with that gentleman? Another thing, learn to listen to others for once in your life, for if you embarrass me this day, I shall be quite hard on you. Now Mrs. Bennet, I shall watch what you say and do and I shall cough every time you get out of line, so be careful. With that he walked away and soon heard the others approach the house.